Novel prism shaped C3N4-doped Fe@Co3O4 nanocomposites and their dye degradation and bactericidal potential with molecular docking study. Issue 38 (2nd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ali Ahmad, Syed Ossama; Ikram, Muhammad; Imran, Muhammad; Naz, Sadia; Ul-Hamid, Anwar; Haider, Ali; Shahzadi, Anum; Haider, Junaid
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 11:Issue 38(2021)
• Page Start: 23330
• Page End: 23344
• Publication Date: 2021-07-02
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03949k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : This study provides new insights into the use of cobalt-based heterojunction photocatalysts for dye degradation and antibacterial applications (a) synthesis mechanism of C3 N4 (b) schematic of synthesis route adopted for fabrication of nanocomposites. Abstract : Novel prism shaped C3 N4 -doped Fe@Co3 O4 nanocomposites were fabricated via a co-precipitation route for effective removal of organic pollutants from water and for bactericidal applications. Doping of C3 N4 in the heterojunction significantly enhanced the photocatalytic and sonocatalytic activity against methylene blue ciprofloxacin (MBCF) dye. The main purpose of doping Fe atoms in the cobalt lattice was to generate crystal and surface defects. Moreover, the optimum doping amount of C3 N4 for maximum degradation performance was evaluated. A detailed examination of the prepared nanocomposites was carried out systematically using various characterization tools for better understanding. HR-TEM images revealed the formation of novel prism shaped structures that exhibited outstanding degradation of the organic dye in water. Significant bactericidal potential was also observed for the synthesized nanocomposites against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) bacteria. In silico, molecular docking studies against β-lactamase, DHFR and FabI enzymes served to elucidate the mechanism governing the bactericidal activity of the as-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs). Furthermore, a scavenging study by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and COD (chemical oxygen demand) analysis was performed in order to evaluate active species and the anti-oxidant potential of prepared composites.